What developments in Alzheimer’s research should patients and caregivers be aware of?

Over the past 20 years, great strides have been made in understanding the genetic and structural abnormalities of Alzheimer’s disease. We now understand the genetic basis for early onset Alzheimer’s. We also have the ability to detect several susceptibility genes for late onset Alzheimer’s. We are able to use this genetic information and PET imaging technology of the brain’s plaques and tangles, which are the hallmark of the disease, to design new potential treatments. And we are making progress in the investigation of potential Alzheimer’s treatments in local clinical trials.